Police arming Newcastle residents with radar guns

Since it's only a warning letter I can't get too excited about any loss of civil liberties or anything else. I don't mind getting a slap on the wrist when I am at fault, and perhaps it will help to make the road safer. Take back at least one of the thumbs.

Maybe you should re-read my post, my thumbs are still down. I didn't say a thing about civil liberties. I said it dangerous for a civi's (civilians) to be out there. If New Castle wants to be serious about stopping speeders then pass a tax levee and hire some cops is what I said.

Bob

What's dangerous about it? Standing in your own yard, reading the radar gun, and writing down a license number? That's dangerous?

There are a lot of localities across the US that have a radar gun they loan out to citizens. It's one of the ways used to gather statistics on traffic patterns so that speed limits, speed bumps, and other traffic calming techniques can be considered.

Besides, any Joe Blow can go buy a radar/laser gun on his own and stand out in his yard and use it.

2 thumbs down. Very stupid idea.

Why is it stupid? Can you give your reasons why you think it's stupid?

From what the article says, there is nothing to tie a speed to an actual license. A person could write it down wrong or if they don't like someone, say they are speeding every time they go by. That could make the cops will think that person is a habitual speeder and keep a close watch on them even though they did nothing wrong.

Why not take an old camera, hide it in a box and turn it on so it activates radar detectors, and set up a sign saying speeds are monitored by radar. Put a real cop there once in awhile and it would have more effect.

It read like a good idea to me. The local law enforment will now have some data to go on when they
deploy an officer, rather than only residents' opinions that people are driving to fast in a particular area.

Two thumbs up! That's all I have.

Hi,

Well, its an accident/incident waiting to happen. Wonder whats going to happen to the first person struck and killed because a driver of a targeted vehicle thought the person was pointing a gun at them.

or

The Wanna-Be Police/Peace officer who gets carried away with this new toy. Its ridiculous, there are better ways to stop speeders without involving civilians.

Its a stupid idea, that I hope comes to an end before someone gets needlessly hurt/killed and/or arrested.

Mike